King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 14:41 Mean?

1 Samuel 14:41 in the King James Version says “Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people es...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. Give: or, Shew the innocent escaped: Heb. went forth”

1 Samuel 14:41 · KJV

Context

39

For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people that answered him.

40

Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what seemeth good unto thee.

41

Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. Give: or, Shew the innocent escaped: Heb. went forth

42

And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

43

Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

Read 1 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

Saul's prayer for 'a perfect lot' (thummim, connected to the Urim and Thummim) requests divine identification of the guilty party. The lot eliminates the people and 'Saul and Jonathan were taken.' God's answer implicates the royal house. The very oracle Saul sought reveals his own son as the oath-breaker. Divine guidance, properly sought, often reveals uncomfortable truths. Saul receives accurate answer to his question but remains blind to the underlying issue - his rash oath.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Urim and Thummim were priestly objects used for obtaining divine guidance. The mechanism apparently allowed three outcomes: Urim (no), Thummim (yes), or neither (no answer). Saul's request for 'perfect lot' sought clear divine communication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does seeking divine guidance sometimes reveal truths we did not want to find?
  2. What happens when proper procedure produces painful results?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 13

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְשָׁא֖וּל2 of 13

“Therefore Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֛ה4 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֥י5 of 13

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הָ֣בָה7 of 13

“Give”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

תָמִ֑ים8 of 13

“a perfect”

H8549

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

וַיִּלָּכֵ֧ד9 of 13

“were taken”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

יֽוֹנָתָ֛ן10 of 13

“and Jonathan”

H3129

jonathan, the name of ten israelites

וְשָׁא֖וּל11 of 13

“Therefore Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְהָעָ֥ם12 of 13

“but the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יָצָֽאוּ׃13 of 13

“escaped”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 14:41 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 14:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 1:24Joshua 7:16-181 Samuel 10:20-21Jonah 1:7Proverbs 16:33

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